President Trump to visit USS North Carolina on Wednesday

President Donald Trump gives thumbs up as he steps off Marine One while walking to Air Force One upon departure at Chennault International Airport, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Lake Charles, La. Trump toured damage from Hurricane Laura in Texas and Louisiana. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

RALEIGH – President Donald Trump is returning to North Carolina on Wednesday, Sept. 2 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and declare the Wilmington as the First World War II Heritage City, according to a White House official. 

During President Trump’s visit, he is expected to meet with veterans, tour the USS North Carolina, and give remarks honoring the contributions of Wilmington to the U.S. victory in World War II.

In March 2019, President Trump signed legislation directing the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to designate at least one city per year as an American World War II Heritage City.

Built in 1937, the Battleship North Carolina was first commissioned on April 9, 1941 and took part in every major naval offensive in the Pacific area of operation, and earned 15 battle stars. 

After the war, the ship was used as a training vessel and finally decommissioned in 1947. The Battleship North Carolina is permanently in Wilmington as a war memorial.

This will be President Trump’s 12th official visit to North Carolina.